Dusting and Cleaning Device

ABSTRACT

The invention is a cleaning device comprising of a shaft with two or more apertures. The shaft also has two or more slits. The user will place one or more pieces of fabric through the two apertures and then pulled through the slits. This severs to provide a user with a taut piece of fabric along the shaft to be used for cleaning. The user is then able to apply pressure to the cleaning fabric via the shaft to the area being cleaned.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to tools that employ paper towels, cloths,flexible materials designed for cleaning and/or other suitable fabric inthe art of cleaning.

2. Description of the Prior Art

In today's households, many people employ cleaning devices that aid inusing fabrics for cleaning and dusting. These cleaning devices allow theuser to apply the cleaning fabric to the soiled area without having toawkwardly bend over to scrub the floor or use a stool to reach theceiling. For example if one were to employ a fabric to clean the floorwithout such a cleaning device, that person would have to either bendover or get down on their hands and knees to clean the soiled floor.However, recent cleaning devices now allow the user to apply thecleaning fabric to the floor and other areas out of the users' reach.

Many of these cleaning devices require that the user purchase specificdisposable fabric sheets to employ the device. These sheets can be muchmore expensive than just ordinary paper towels. They also do not providefor use of non-disposable cloths or ordinary rags. These cleaningdevices do not allow for those who are environmentally conscious to usethe devices, they cause more cost to the consumer and they areresponsible for harm to the environment in the form of increased waste.

Many of theses devices are also of relatively complicated design withmany moving parts. Manufacturing of the individual parts and assemblingthose parts into the final product takes time and increases cost. Moreparts of a device, moving and non-moving, increase the chances ofmalfunction. An increase in complexity comes with a decrease inreliability.

The current invention alleviates the stated deficiencies of the priorart. The invention allows users to employ paper towels, fabrics,non-disposable cloths and any fabric suitable for cleaning for dustingand cleaning without having to bend over to reach the floor or stand ona stool to reach the ceiling. It is also of simple design and operation,saving both time and money during manufacturing and use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A cleaning device comprises of a shaft. The shaft comprises a hollowsection and a lower end with a rim. The rim defines an opening at theproximate end of the shaft, and the opening is located about thelongitudinal axis and is in communication with the hollow section. Theshaft also has one or more apertures that extend through the side of theshaft and are in communication with said hollow section. The aperturesmaybe in direct communication with one of the one or more slits. Theslit(s) run parallel to the longitudinal axis and may terminate beforereaching the rim.

The design of the cleaning device allows the user to secure any fabricor cleaning material in the device and use that fabric or cleaningmaterial for cleaning with greater ease than devices of the prior art.It enables the user to clean without having to apply pressure with theirhands, lean over or reach up to get to spaces, use non disposable ragsand/or have to purchase specific designed cleaning materials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention where the fabric is twistedand inserted through the bottom and locked in place solely by thefrictional engagement with the projections.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment that employs a sleeve, in addition to theprojections, help secure the fabric.

FIG. 3 shows one side of another embodiment designed to secure two endsof the fabric.

FIGS. 4 and 4 a show different designs for the reverse side of the FIG.3.

FIG. 5 shows how the fabric maybe secured in a taut position.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment with fanning slits.

FIG. 7 shows fabric using the fanning slits.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 1. The embodiment has ashaft 1 with a handle end 10 for having a handle (not shown) and an openend 6 for receiving fabric 7. The open end is defined by the rim ofshaft 1. The shaft 1 is at least hollow from the open end 6 to the twoapertures 2 and 3. The shaft 1 also has one or more slits, illustratedas reference numeral 4, that run down the sides of the shaft 1 from theapertures 2 and 3 toward the open end 6 for a length 9. At least one ofthe apertures 2 and 3 has a slit 4. The slit(s) 4 may have projections 5that are used to help secure the twisted end 8 of the fabric 7. Fabric 7can include, but is not limited to: paper towels; terry cloths, rags,flexible materials designed for cleaning; wet wipes; any flexiblematerial suitable for cleaning; or any combination thereof.

Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 2. This embodiment is closelyrelated to that shown in FIG. 1, and the like parts are labeled as such.The difference between the two embodiments is the sleeve 11. The sleeve11 will slide over lower part of the shaft after the fabric is insertedthrough the open end 6, through an aperture 2 or 3 and pulled downthrough a slit 4 and between the projections 5. The sleeve's 11 diameterwill be larger than that of the lower part of the shaft 1 so that itwill slide over the lower part of the shaft 1 and the twisted end 8 ofthe fabric 7. When the sleeve 11 is slid into the secured position, overthe twisted end 8, it will further help secure the fabric to the shaft1. The sleeve 11 can either slide completely off the shaft 1 or bedesigned in such a way that it can move along the shaft but prevent fromcoming entirely off. The sleeve 11 may also comprise of one or moreparts that are secured about the shaft by any suitable means.

The sleeve 11 will be in the secured position when a portion of thesleeve 11 is secured over a portion of the aperture(s), 2 and/or 3,and/or over a portion of the slit(s) 4. The sleeve 11 can be secured byfrictional engagement and/or mechanical means.

While the sleeve 11 is shown as having a conical end, any shape thatwill serve spread out and/or apply pressure to the fabric 7 whencleaning is contemplated. The sleeve 11 can be flexible or ridged,designed to fit specific applications such as cleaning corners and/ordesigned to spread out the pressure applied to the fabric 7. The sleeve11 may also have a joint and a section that pivots about that joint.

The slits 4 and apertures 2 and 3 are shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 to beon both sides of the shaft. However it is hereby disclosed that theembodiments can have two apertures and one slit or one aperture and oneslit. Also, while it is shown in the figures that the slit 4 hasprojections, it is hereby disclosed that many means can be used tosecure the twisted end 8 of the fabric 8. Those means include but notlimited to projections that are jagged, a slit that starts to narrow ata certain point, a slit with a constant width, projections that areoffset or any combination thereof.

In operation of the invention, the user will first select one or moresheets of fabric 7. For explanation purposes, the use of multiple papertowels will be discussed here with the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. Theuser would align the paper towels how they choose and then twist thesheets into a point as shown as the twisted end 8. The user would thenpush the twisted end 8 through the open end 6 so that the twisted end 8would reach the apertures 2 and 3. The user would then push and/or pullthe twisted end 8 through the apertures 2 and 3. The user may then pullthe twisted end 8 up in order to pull more fabric 7 through the open endto increase the thickness of the cloth in the slit(s) 4. The user wouldthen pull the twisted end 8 down through the slit 4 and pass theprojections 5 so that the twisted end 8 would then become secure. Theuser would then move the sleeve 11 to the secured position, over thetwisted end 8, to help secure the twisted end 8 of the fabric 7. Theinvention is then ready to use.

When the user wants to change out the paper towels, the user firstslides the sleeve 11 out of the secured position, pulls up the twistedend 8 up through the projections 5 and the slit 4, and then pulls thetwisted end 8, by the lower end of the fabric 7, back through the lowerend 6. The user would then replace the fabric 7 and repeat the stepsabove.

In another embodiment with a sleeve 11, the sleeve will spread out andapply pressure to the fabric 7. For example, if the user where to usethe cleaning device to clean the floor, the sleeve would spread out thefabric 7 and increase the area upon which force is being applied to thefloor. This will increase the cleaning effectiveness of the device andhelp prevent tearing of the fabric 7.

When using a long version of the cleaning device, the user can use it toclean the floor or ceiling fans. When using a shorter version the usercan use it to clean the tub or toilet. The uses of the cleaning deviceof various lengths and angles are obvious to one of ordinary skill inthe art and within the sprit of the invention.

In another embodiment of the invention the fabric 7 will be secured attwo different locations. Referring to FIGS. 3-5, a shaft with an openedend 6 is shown. FIG. 3 shows the a first side of the embodiment andFIGS. 4 and 4 a show alternative designs for the opposite side. Thefirst side, FIG. 3, shows a slit 4 with projections 5 and an aperture 2.The second side, FIG. 4 and in the alternative FIG. 4 a, shows a slit 4and an aperture 3. The slit 4 may or may not intersect with the aperture3. The slit may or may not have projections 5 (shown in FIG. 4 a) ormaybe of a constant or varying width as disclosed above. Any combinationof slit length, shape with or without projections is herebycontemplated. This embodiment can have a handle that is transverse oralong the shaft 1. This embodiment may or may not have a hollow end. Atthe very least slit 4 must extend through the shaft.

This embodiment allows for the fabric 7 to be secured at two separatelocations. For the purposes of this example we will use multiple papertowels placed on top of one another and the fabric 7 and formed to havea twisted end 8. Once the twisted end 8 is inserted through the aperture3 and out of aperture 2, the fabric 7 is drawn through the apertures tothe point the desired resistance it created. The resistance will occurbecause of the thickness of the fabric 7 being pulled through theapertures. The user will then take the twisted end 8 (or the unraveledtwisted end) and pull it toward the open end 6, leave the desired amountof slack, and either pull the twisted end 8 through the slits 5 or pullthe twisted end below and about the open end 6 and then force the fabric7 through both slits 4 at approximately the same time.

Referring to FIG. 5, the fabric 7 is shown as very taut, but can be ofany tension the user so desires. The advantage of having two locationsof the fabric 7 secured is that it allows for more control of thelocation of the fabric 7 during cleaning. This allows the user to betterapply force used in cleaning to the areas that are soiled.

Another embodiment is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. This embodiment hasfanning slits 14 that are not in communication with the apertures 2 and3. As shown in FIG. 7, this allows the fabric 7 to spread out throughthe fanning slits 14. This allows more of the fabric to be used in thecleaning process by allowing it to start fanning out at a much earlierpoint that if there where no fanning slits. It also helps keep thefabric fanned out, keeping a defined application surface, by positioningand keeping the fabric in the fanning slits 14 t. There can be one ormore fanning slits 14 and can be of any orientation relative to one ormore other fanning slits 14.

This embodiment can employ a sleeve 11 (not shown) like the onedescribed above. The sleeve for this embodiment can also have slits thatcorrespond to the fanning slits 14. The sleeve 11 will assist in fanningout the fabric 14 and securing the twisted end 8 of the fabric. Thesleeve can run on a set path so that the fanning slits 14 willcorrespond to the slits in the sleeve.

The embodiment can also have slits 4 (shown in shadow in FIG. 7) in themanner discussed above. The slits 4 may also have projections asdiscussed above.

Embodiments with alternative designs for the same identified parts arecontemplated to be employed or interchanged with all other embodiments.

Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised bythose skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention and the present invention is intended to coversuch modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present inventionhas been described above with particularity and detail in connectionwith what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferredembodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limitedto, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, manner ofoperation, assembly, and use may be made without departing from theprinciples and concepts set forth herein.

1. A cleaning device comprising: a shaft with longitudinal axis, wherein the shaft comprises: two or more apertures that extend through the side of the shaft and are in communication; and two or more slits.
 2. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the two or more slits has one or more projections.
 3. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the device is constructed of plastic, wood, metal, ceramics, recycled materials or any combination thereof.
 4. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the one or more slits have a width of 1 mm or more.
 5. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein one or more of the slits narrows at a constant or irregular rate or any combination thereof.
 6. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the apertures are circular, oblong, square or any geometric shape that is capable of accepting a finger to be inserted therethrough.
 7. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning device is capable of accepting a twisted end of one or more pieces of paper towels, wet wipes, cloth, or any flexible material suitable or designed for cleaning through two of the apertures, and then through one or more of the slits.
 8. The cleaning device of claim 2, wherein the one or more projections are wavy, irregular, offset, teeth like or any combination thereof.
 9. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the shaft is circular, oblong, square or any geometric shape and size that is capable of accepting a twisted end of one or more pieces of paper towels, cloth, or any flexible material suitable or designed for cleaning through the two apertures.
 10. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning device has a handle that is attached to the shaft and set at an angle to the shaft.
 11. The cleaning device of claim 10, wherein the angle is zero degrees.
 12. The cleaning device of claim 10, wherein the angle is ninety degrees.
 13. The cleaning device of claim 10, wherein the angle is less than ninety degrees and more than zero degrees.
 14. The cleaning device of claim 10 wherein the angle is greater than ninety degrees but less than or equal to one hundred and eighty degrees.
 15. The cleaning device of claim 10, wherein the handle and the shaft are capable of movement relative to one another.
 16. The cleaning device of claim 10, wherein the handle is attached to one end of the shaft, then is angled at ninety degrees, then angled in the direction of the center of the shaft, then angled back so that the remainder of the handle would transversely intersect the shaft.
 17. The cleaning device of claim 10, wherein the handle is attached to one end of the shaft.
 18. The cleaning device of claim 10, wherein the handle is attached in between the ends of the shaft.
 19. The cleaning device of claim 7, wherein the shaft is capable of applying pressure to the one or more pieces of paper towels, wet wipes, cloth, or any flexible material suitable or designed for cleaning to a surface to be cleaned.
 20. The cleaning device of claim 1 wherein one of the slits is in communication with one of the apertures and one of the slits is not in communication with one of the aperture. 